How much of a rabbit hole is this?

[WhistlingBadger]

Hey, all.  Considering investing in a black powder rifle.  I'd like something traditional, capable of taking elk and moose (.54?).

My question is, how steep is the learning curve for an experienced modern rifle/trad bow hunter?  How much gear is necessary?  How hard is this really to get into?  I have no idea.  But I'm a guy who likes to know how deep the water is before I jump off the cliff.   

[Pat B]

When I started black powder hunting back in 1979 my rifle was a .50 TC Hawkins percussion and my kit consisted of 4 glass tubes with 90 gr of black powder, a box of pre-lubed maxi balls , a tin of primers, a small bottle of solvent and a few cleaning patches. Back then all my friends told me to get a real gun. I ended up killing my first deer, an 8 point with an 80 yard shot.
 I'm not a black expert but I think a .54 would be sufficient for elk not sure about moose.